Lost Voyagers found as Spirit of Adventure Trust Sails into 40th Annivesary

The Spirit of Adventure Trust was set up in 1973 when Lou Fisher gifted the Spirit of Adventure topsail schooner to the nation. Now almost 40 years on, the youth development organisation has started a campaign to reunite “lost voyagers” from past sailing trips.

The Trust, which this week launches its annual “Spirit Week” – lost all its voyage records in a flood ten years ago. Over the past few weeks it has been reconnecting with people who sailed on the original Spirit of Adventure tall ship, including Gary McAuliffe of Roturua, who was on board Voyage Number One in January 1974

Gary is one of 400 past voyagers who have so far been in contact with the Trust to tell their stories, post photos and videos and share memories of what was the trip of a lifetime.

A school boy attending Southland Boy’s High School at the time of his trip, Gary says the whole experience was a highlight for him.

“It was my first time out of the South Island. The whole experience of the harbour was a highlight. Sailing that beautiful ship is like every young boys dream. The weather was glorious, the harbour was beautiful, it was all so surreal.”

Now the owner of a private training organisation in Rotorua, Gary says a Spirit voyage gives young people the chance to challenge themselves in a unique way. Previously a teacher, he has recommended the work of the Trust to many students and families over the years.

“I’m keen to support the Trust and the great opportunities it gives young people. I’ve got so many great memories and I’m sure others do too. A Spirit of Adventure voyage takes people out of their comfort zone and throws them a completely new experience, then shows them how to cope with it using communication and teamwork.”

People can support the work of the Spirit of Adventure Trust and reconnect with past Voyagers by visiting the Facebook page of principal Spirit of Adventure Trust partner Hyundai New Zealand www.facebook.com/HyundaiNZ or the Spirit of Adventure Trust http://www.spiritofadventure.org.nz/index.php?page=donate-now
Donations can also be made by texting “Spirit” to 4483 to make a one off $3 donation

Members of the public can also experience the Spirit for themselves by booking to go one on of the Auckland harbour public sailing trips during Spirit week. Details of times, costs and sailings can be found by visiting the Spirit of Adventure website.